I don't know where to search for the answer,  What is the length of #6 turnout?  I want to add it to a loop which uses 9"straights.  What smaller sections (2", 3") will I need to make a # 6 turnout  replace 2 or 3,  9" straights?
Thank You. 

After dabbling in On30 for awhile, I am getting back into HO.  I have unpacked some HO locomotives from the 1990's and older.   I have all makes and models, some a lot louder than others.  Problems usually get worse with the shell on the chassis than without. I have serviced, cleaned, lubed but with little success in lowering the noise.  One that is particularly loud is stock Athearn AMD 103.   One of my quietest is Bachmann Spectrum GP30.

Before I purchase anything, what would be considered fairly quiet in the 1st and 2nd generation diesel category?  (With or without sound). 

I will assume some of the quieter ones are some of the smoothest running and probably the most detailed.  And it's a given the more expensive the quieter.  I am interested in any make and any price range. 

Give me your thoughts,  Thanks.